42. Test Your Home For Radon |
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Radon is created naturally in the earth—a tasteless, colorless,
and odorless gas that forms when uranium in the Earth’s soil
decays. As radon decays, alpha particles are emitted, which can
damage cells in the human body. Some scientists claim that radon
gas is responsible for 7,000 to 30,000 lung cancer deaths per year,
but other scientists dispute this figure, saying it exaggerates
the risk.
Outdoors, radon gas is diluted in the air and poses little risk.
But indoors it can become concentrated and can accumulate to hazardous
levels. Radon can enter through crawl spaces; gaps between basement
floors and walls; sump pumps; and the water supply.
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It
can also enter through cracks in basement walls, floors, and foundations;
pores in concrete block; mortar joints; and openings around loosely
fitted pipes.
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There are two basic types of radon detectors. Short-term detectors,
such as charcoal canisters, measure radon levels over a two- to seven-day
period. Radon levels within a home fluctuate with the weather, so
these tests can be deceiving. Long-term detectors, such as alpha-track
detectors, measure radon levels for three months to a year. |
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You
can purchase radon testing kits rather cheaply from a local hardware
store or other retail outlets. Their price usually includes the cost
of having a laboratory analyze the detector and report the findings.
Whatever kind of detector you choose, make sure that the package indicates
that the test kit meets EPA requirements. |
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Radon detection kits should come with thorough instructions on how
to set up the test. Be sure to indicate the dates that you begin and
complete the test. Also, mail the detector to the lab immediately
after completing the test. Not doing so may result in a failed test. |
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Here are some testing steps: Do a short-term test or long-term test
(the U.S. EPA recommends starting with a short-term test). If your
long-term test exceeds 4 picoCuries per liter of air (pCi/L), that
is sufficient reason to take action to reduce radon levels in your
home. If your short-term test result is 4 pCi/L or higher, you should
do a follow-up test to be sure. |
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Follow up with either a long-term test or, if you need quick results,
a second short-term test. Take action to solve the problem if the
follow-up test is 4pCi/L or more. |
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